Paynes Prairie Preserve North Entrance

Such a nice place! $4 cars $2 pedestrians. Plenty of parking now overwhelming crowded. Unfortunately half the trail is closed off due to “flooding”. Lots of wildlife!

Bison in Florida? It’s true! I saw a herd! I actually have not seen wildlife this up-close and personal anywhere in my life. It was truly an amazing experience. There were literally hundreds of alligators. One actually crossed the trail right in front of us, it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen! This is a must see! Obviously, no pets allowed and for good reason. There were also some wild horses and many wonderful birds. Do not pass this state park up!

This is Lachua trail head. Wonderful trail along the Sink. Flowers, including the native purple passion flower. Alligator flag, lotus in bloom. Liking, Apple Snails. Alligator Turtles, and Alligators. 1.5 miles to an elevated look out tower to see flocks of Sand Hill Cranes, Wild Horses, Bison and Cracker Cattle.
Hot in summer, so prepare with water, Hats and sun screen.
Enjoy Native Florida.

Such a beautiful place to be, from wild grazing animals to alligator 🐊 an a huge diversity of birds. The outlook is something to see!! Paynes prairie is natural preserve at it finest 👍 the trails are clear an run/jog worthy or walk them to soak in the sights. Camping or not it's a amazing Gem 💎

Paynes prairie was lovely! The visitor center was informative and helpful. The nature surrounding was beautiful. The observation tower was neat if you’re wanting to try spotting animals or birds.

Very wonderful spot to see alligator, wild DEER ( if lucky) and birds!

Plenty of gators to see! The birds were abundant and beautiful. Trail to the observation deck still closed due to flooding.

The trail is only open for about a half mile but well worth the visit. Went in July and saw several different birds. The history of the area was interesting also.

Love the beauty of nature. You never know what you will see weather it is the turtles, gators, birds and now there are wild horses and Bison. It is always something new and interesting. It is the perfect place to go to just to take a nice walk and enjoy the natural peaceful scenery of the preserve. It is usually never crowded to the point that it is bothersome. I love that you can go here just to take in nature around you.

Payne’s Prairie Preserve is a park that’s been kept in its primitive state and is well worth the time to explore. Just to the north and east of the Visitor’s Center is a viewing tower that allows you to see the vastness of the prairie. This place is a photographers delight!

Very beautiful and unique place here. The first thing you notice the quietness and the difference in sound compared to the city life. It reminds you we live in one planet.

If you’re lucky enough you can see the alligators from close distance 🐊

There is a drinking water fountain (the only working one on the entire trail as of 10/2023) right before the entrance so fill up here if you need to.

What a beautiful state park. It was a easy walk with so much wildlife to enjoy.

Mosquitoes are thick in warmer months, welcome to FLORIDA. Nice campground.

I have been going to this trail for years with my parents, my friends and by myself. Every time I go, I see something different. The place also provides a certain calmness that you don't see in the everyday life, it's peaceful and it is beautiful. Be careful though! Gators and Snakes do tend to hang out on the path.

Good base for parking if you want to ride the bike trail, and your $4 goes to support the beautiful park. Take a walk along the La Chua trail before or after your ride.... just walk the trails inside the park (your bike goes on the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail).

I had never seen an alligator in the wild before , this place changed that , and such a beautiful hike

Had a nice bike ride for fathers day, shaded trails made it easy to ride even in the Florida weather. Well paved trails and very well maintained.

This is an absolutely beautiful trail for scenery and finding birds and wildlife. If you're in the area and love to see wildlife, I would highly recommend this trail.